Media Statement: Victorian Health Promotion Foundation (VicHealth)

Reclink Australia notes the Victorian Government’s recent response to the Independent Review of the Victorian Public Service: Final Report, produced by Helen Silver AO.

As part of the response, we note the Government’s intention to move VicHealth and its functions into the Victorian Department of Health.

Reclink Australia has been proud to work with VicHealth on various preventative health programs and initiatives, including a recent major partnership, and acknowledges the many years of ambitious and effective service delivery the organisation has provided to Victorians. VicHealth have become world leaders in this space since their inception in 1987.

As an organisation firmly in support of the continued work around preventative health promotion which VicHealth has led and facilitated over decades in Victoria, we encourage the Victorian Government to ensure this area of health policy and funding support does not go neglected, and retains the level of strategic innovation and responsiveness VicHealth has become known for.

Reclink Australia – as a not-for-profit operating in the health sector – greatly appreciates the budgetary constraints and financial pressures which governments at all levels face, but wishes to strongly emphasise the fact that effective preventative health measures ultimately mean reduced costs and pressure on the capacity of frontline health services, both mental and physical.

Reclink strongly supports the continuation of VicHealth as an independent entity.

We also encourage the Victorian Government – if this budget saving measure does go ahead – to provide a guarantee that any future funding VicHealth would have been responsible for in the support and implementation of preventative health programs and promotion in Victoria will not be reduced or eliminated.

Quote attributable to Dave Wells, CEO, Reclink Australia

‘Reclink Australia is committed to providing healthy, inclusive sport and active recreation programs for those who face disadvantage and daily life challenges. I am saddened by the news of the planned closure of VicHealth; our partnership with them has spanned many years and has been focused on encouraging healthy lifestyles and physical activity participation among those who need it most. Health promotion is critical throughout our community and VicHealth has led some incredible innovations to improve the health of all Victorians.’

Media Contact: Lauren Gatt, 0411 794 413